The New York Mets will conclude its three-game series with the Chicago Cubs and their amazing first half of the 2012 MLB season Sunday at Citi Field (1:10 p.m. on SNY). The Mets (46-39) will turn to rookie Jon Niese (7-3, 3.35 ERA) to complete their surprising first half on a good note as he opposes the Cubs' Ryan Dempster (3-3, 2.11 ERA), who makes his return from the disable list.
The three-game slate is currently tied at a game apiece, as last-place Chicago (32-52) took Game 1, 8-7, on Friday but lost Saturday, 3-1. A victory Sunday would help the Mets earn a season-series split with the Cubs, who enters the contest taking three of five games against New York.
After Sunday's game, the Mets could enter the MLB's All-Star Break in second place in the NL East Division standings, which feature New York just 4 1/2 games back of the first-place Washington Nationals and a 1/2-game ahead of the third-place Atlanta Braves.
The Cubs, however, are tied with the league's worst record.
Stick with this StoryStream for previews, scores and more from the Mets vs. Cubs series. For all things Mets, check out Amazin' Avenue.